Talkback: How to build a compost bin

This looks great! I've been wanting to put one together for some time now. Anyone have suggestions on location. I've heard concerns of smell and such if you locate too close to the home. Full sunligth best?
connie_g

24 Nov 2011 15:27

We have used this method for making compost bins for about 6 years and it works well, producing good compost.
On our exposed site we have found it best to line the bin with old cardboard boxes placed between the two layers of each pallet and also to put newspaper inside.
If you make a row of bins and turn the compost after about 6 months it works very fast.vickballer

24 Nov 2011 15:27

have some pallets at home now i have something useful to do with them thanks!ChipsMaguire

24 Nov 2011 15:28

Hi I'm making a couple of compost bins out of wood, does there have to be gaps between the slats or can I make it solid? After all aren't most of the plastic composters solid? Any help on this would be much appreciated.Primrose1

24 Nov 2011 15:28

I have just got 4 pallets and I asked my husband to screw them together but I know I would have to wait months. Putting in stakes is a much better idea. I'm sure I can do that myself. Thanks.

we got our pallets from a shop that sold tiles on a trading estate. Just asked if we could have them and they said yes. best place to look is on a trading estate. They leave them outside for collection and anyone can take them.
telodonovan

24 Nov 2011 15:28

I make compost bins out of pallets and have done for quite a few years, but I knock the pallets to peices first and rebuild, using the slats; these i knock together leaving about an inch between slats. the front I attach a thin slat followed by a thicker one, and the slat the front allowing removal when using.
I do have three on the go, one using, one filling and one working, when the used one is empty, i turn the working one into the space left by the used one.
This has worked well for me.peterhough

24 Nov 2011 15:29

I have limited space in my garden .How far from the house is best ?to avoid any smells etc.Vera

24 Nov 2011 15:29

I think this project is great. Composting is the way forward.grinningblenny

24 Nov 2011 15:29

Aren't you concerned about rats? Its a very open construction...
nic-nic&Faeth

24 Nov 2011 15:29

I've got my pallets...Shall get started straight away! Well when the sun comes up anyway! Does it not need to be enclosed though? With no gaps...I assumed that you would need it to be enclosed to keep the heat in to help the it contents to rot? Or am I way off?
:o)yellowgrass

24 Nov 2011 15:29

We have a relatively small urban garden. I would like to recycle an old plastic bin for which we have no fuirther use into a compost bin. What are the essential requirements I need to ensure it operates effectively as a compost bin?
LauraLoo

I have used pallets for many many years to make compost bins. I place them on a level site and use plastic ties on each corner to hold four in a square. I have three bins together, one is always full, one getting full and the other standing by. When I need to empty the full one I cut the ties on the front pallet, remove it and take out the compost. I make sure it is very dry when I take it out so that I can sieve it. It must be kept damp when it is rotting down. I make sure I chop any hard material so that it rots easier. It rots down quicker if you turn it, but I never do! I just leave it for a year. I empty it out in the spring and spread it onto the ground where I need it.

What stops the kitchen waste from dropping through the spaces of the pallets, or is it that it doesnt matter?
Ennill

23 Mar 2012 21:40

Hilary, wrap your kitchen waste in newspaper - worms love it and it will stop the issue of waste dropping through the pallets.

All friends and neighbours know to drop off any old carpets they have because I use them on top of my pallet compost bins to weight down the waste and it also allows moisture through (am the same as James Williams - 3 bin system).

Have you seen the compost 'bin' design here: http://www.airpotgarden.com/ a lot easier for those of us unable to do all that construction work!
Malcar

27 Mar 2014 23:59

If Possible make two side by side, that way you can turn the top layer into bin two when you want to empty the first compost bin, the half rotted down materials starts the second compost bin off. Keep turning your heap every week or couple of weeks to aerate it, this will help speed up the decomposing, keep it damp but not wet, if it is composting well it should feel warm, even steaming on cold mornings! When the second bin is ready to be emptied, tip the top layers into bin one and start the rotation all over again.